Beauty waxing treatments are a popular form of hair removal. The two biggest dangers with waxing treatments are burns from hot wax and torn skin, both relatively common injuries when waxing procedures are performed by unqualified, inattentive or poorly trained staff.

Beauty waxing treatments are a popular form of hair removal, and also of sculpting areas of hair, such as on the eyebrows, to achieve a defined look. Almost any area of the face or body can be waxed, but the most popular procedures target hair on the legs, chest, eyebrows, upper lip, under the arms, and sensitive areas, including around the vagina (bikini and Brazilian waxes) and nipples. The two biggest dangers with waxing treatments are burns from hot wax and torn skin, both relatively common injuries when delicate, precise waxing procedures are performed by unqualified, inattentive or poorly trained staff. Injuries are most common from eyebrow waxing, and from bikini and Brazilian waxes, as the skin is looser and more sensitive in the areas that these procedures target, making it more susceptible to damage.

Burns from hot wax may be caused by a distracted or careless beautician spilling wax onto the skin. Otherwise they may have heated the wax to the wrong temperature, causing it to burn the skin when the strips are applied. The strips may also be left on the skin for too long with similar results. The fact that different waxes require heating to different temperatures increases the likelihood of these types of accidents occurring. As with any burn injury, skin damage symptoms may include rashes, itching, cracking, blistering and scarring. When scars from a burn affect facial areas, such as the eyebrows or upper lip, the results may be deforming, and in severe cases skin graft surgery will be required to reduce their appearance. Burns may also lead to troublesome ingrown hairs, infections, and on darker skinned ladies, areas of discolouration and even permanent changes in pigmentation.

Tearing of the skin is another common injury during waxing procedures, and, especially where loose skin is torn, profuse bleeding and scarring can result. A beautician may remove waxing strips with too much force, tearing the skin, or may fail to ensure that the skin is stretched tightly when they do so, with similar results. Waxing strips should always be removed in the direction of the hair growth, and should neither be removed too early, nor left on the skin for too long. Beauty salons must be able to judge a client’s individual skin sensitivity, and tailor treatments accordingly. Cuts and bleeding in sensitive areas are particularly distressing, and can have profound effects on relationships, including ongoing loss of sexual desire, stress and depression.

Rarely, clients may experience an allergic reaction to chemicals and resins contained in waxing products. Adverse reactions can cause extensive skin damage, and more serious symptoms, including swelling and breathing difficulties. To protect against this possibility, beauty salons should always carry out skin patch tests on new customers, 24-48 hours before a treatment is scheduled. This will also help determine individual skin sensitivity. At the same time, a medical consultation should be carried out to identify pre-existing conditions and medications (known as contraindications), which will make waxing procedures potentially dangerous and unsuitable. Salons are also legally obliged to maintain a hygienic premises, and never to reuse wax, waxing strips and spatulas on different customers.